The Jerusalem Council
1 Now some people came down from Judea, who were teaching the brothers and sisters that if anyone was not circumcised according to the custom of Moses, they could not be saved. 2 There was a big dispute going on among them as Paul and Barnabas arrived. So those two and some others were sent to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about this matter. 3 Having been sent out by the Congregation, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, and as they went along they described in great detail how the other nations were being converted. This made all the believers very happy. 4 When they arrived in Jerusalem they were welcomed by the Congregation, the apostles, and the elders, and they gave detailed reports of all that God had done through them.
5 But some from the Pharisee sect who had come to faith stood up and insisted that the converts from other nations were to be circumcised, and to keep the whole law of Moses. 6 So the apostles and elders convened a meeting to resolve the matter. 7 After much discussion Peter stood up and addressed them: “Folks, fellow believers, you are well aware that early in the beginning God chose me from among you to speak to the other nations and tell them the Word of the good news so they could believe. 8 And God, the one who knows people’s hearts, testified on their behalf by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not draw any distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 So why are you now provoking God by putting on their necks a harness that neither we nor our ancestors could bear? 11 No, it is through the favor of Master Jesus that we believe and are saved, the same way they are.”
12 The entire crowd listened in silence as Barnabas and Paul then gave their account of all the signs and miracles God did among the other nations through them. 13 When they were done, James responded: “Folks, fellow believers, hear me! 14 Simon informed us about how God first visited the other nations, to obtain a people belonging to him. 15 This agrees with the words of the prophets, as it is written:
16 “‘After this I will turn back and rebuild David’s fallen sanctuary; I will rebuild and restore its ruins 17 so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Master— all the nations who call on my name’, says the Master who does all of this, 18 whose work he had known before the ages.’
19 “Therefore, it is my judgment that we should not harass the people of other nations who are turning toward God. 20 Instead, let us write a letter to them, saying that they should abstain from ceremonial pollution with idols, with harlotry, and with any animal that has been strangled or still has its blood. 21 For the laws of Moses have been proclaimed from ancient times in every city, and they are read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
The letter to the Gentiles
22 Then the apostles and elders, along with the whole Congregation, thought it best to choose men from among them to go to Antioch along with Paul and Barnabas: Judas (also called Bar-Sabbas), and Silas, leading men from among the believers. 23 Here is the text of the letter:
“From the apostles, elders, and fellow believers, to the non-Judean fellow believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: “Greetings!
24 “It has come to our attention that some people came without our sanction and disturbed you with unsettling words that troubled your souls. 25 So after we reached an agreement about this, we thought it best to choose men to send to you, along with our dear Barnabas and Paul— 26 people who have dedicated their lives for the sake of the name of our Master Jesus Christ.
27 “We have therefore commissioned Judas and Silas to give this report verbally as well. 28 It was the conclusion of the Holy Spirit and us to put no heavier burden upon you except these essentials: 29 to abstain from idol sacrifices, from animals that were strangled or still have their blood, and from harlotry. You will do well to carefully observe these requirements.
“Farewell!”
30 After they were sent on their way, they came down to Antioch and called everyone to a meeting. They handed over the letter, 31 and after it was read they were all very happy and relieved. 32 Then Judas and Silas, who were both prophets, spoke many words to comfort and strengthen the believers. 33 And after spending some time, the believers send them back in peace to those who had commissioned them. 34 35 Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch with many others to teach and spread the good news of the Word of the Master.
Paul and Barnabas have a falling out
36 Now after some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “We really should go back to check on the believers in all the cities where we have proclaimed the Word of the Master, to see how they’re doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John (also called Mark) along, 38 but Paul saw no point in working with this one who had deserted them in Pamphylia. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they decided to part company. So Barnabas took Mark with him, sailing off to Cyprus, 40 while Paul chose Silas once the believers had entrusted them to the favor of the Master.
41 Paul passed through Syria and Cilica, strengthening the Congregations.